WF&FSA’s University of Innovative Distribution slated for March 11-14

February 01, 2018

The Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association’s University of Innovative Distribution March 11-14 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis Hotel in Indianapolis, IN, offers a four-day concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry, according to a news release.

UID is offered each March and is sponsored by WF&FSA and over 40 other leading distribution professional associations, in cooperation with the Distribution Program at Purdue University. And 2018 marks the 25th year that UID has been serving the supply chain.

“This was a great event and the quality of the instruction was excellent,” said Alan Tanouye, WF&FSA’s past president and general manager at Americas at Floralife, in a video message. “I want to encourage all WF&FSA members to make that investment in yourself and in your people and you will be more than satisfied with what you get out of this event. Every WF&FSA member can take something important away from this experience.” Students select their own half or full-day courses each day, with classes focused on distribution management, territory sales, marketing, negotiation skills, inventory management, sales management, human resources, leadership, information technologies and many more.

“It is incredible what you can learn here,” said Santiago Cock-Rada, general manager at Liberty Blooms and WF&FSA president, in a 2016 event testimonial. “Basically, it’s making me think about where I can take my company, what I can do with the people I have, and what are the new resources I’m not using. And it helps me to get in touch with a lot of people that are facing the same situations that I’m facing. I encourage everybody to use this opportunity and let’s hope we get a lot of these topics going in the industry and make our industry thrive.”

Since 1994, nearly 7,000 distribution and manufacturing professionals from around the globe have attended this program, many more than once. Last year set an attendance record with 616 attendees from around the world participating in more than 40 classes. At the conclusion of the program, all attendees will receive, via mail, an official Letter of Completion from Purdue University awarding 30 hours (three Continuing Education Units) for satisfactory completion of this four-day UID program.

These CEUs may be applied toward a Professional Certificate in Innovative Distribution, with that certificate awarded upon completion of 90 hours (nine CEUs) of approved course work. A minimum of 30 hours must be earned through UID course participation and additional credits may be derived from courses taken independently or through your trade association. For more information, visit www.univid.org.